Why I sold my old wheel and bought a SpinOlution. - M. Manigross

I’m Martha Manigross, and I live in Orange, VA. I’ve been spinning for about 3 years.

I started out trying a spindle, but didn’t really get the hang of it. Then I ordered a Lendrum, which was great to start on, but I soon realized, I was going to need a different wheel to handle the type of spinning I wanted to do.

• I needed a wheel that was capable of holding more yarn at once, or larger, bulky yarn, without constantly having to switch out the entire flyer system.

• A wheel I could spin thin or thick and funky yarn on.

• A wheel that I could easily take with me to spin groups, or move around my house.

• A wheel that was quiet, and easy to use. I have some back issues, so treadling became more difficult. 

A friend ordered the Firefly, and after seeing it in person and trying it myself, I really fell in love with this little wheel with the BIG capabilities. I can spin fast – or I can slow it down for art yarn. I can spin thin and thick. I can pop it into my rolling suitcase, and go to spin groups.

I got the Firefly with all the attachments – the 8 & 32 ounce flyers, the Lazy Kate, and the skein winder. It’s a great set of tools!

"Why I purchased a wheel made in the USA." - C. Troia

I love the fact that the wheels are designed by an engineer that is also an American Veteran and made in the USA. All the SpinOlution Innovative features; quick flyer and bobbin exchange, no oil needed EVER! And best of all, the ratios that enable hand spinners to create the chunkiest of art yarns to the thinnest lace all on the same wheel.

I own a Mach III simply because it is the best functioning wheel around. I can spin ANYTHING on it. The Queen Bee, which accompanies me to my Farmers’ Market each week and is an adorable workhorse. The FireFly, fun to bring along anywhere, including the car, a plane, etc. It has a super long lasting battery and is particularly nice to ply on.

I have spun and created award winning yarns using my SpinOlution wheels; super lace weight English Angora from my bunnies, to squishy soft worsted weight yarns from my flock of Cormo sheep, to big, funky, chunky, art yarns.

Carissa Troia

Melissa Yoder Ricks of Wild Hare Fiber reviews SpinOlution wheels

I do lots of the creative textured yarns, and love the Mach III for those, because of the low ratio and the super-jumbo bobbin. When I'm traveling/teaching, I use the King Bee, which can do pretty much the same things as the Mach III, just in a smaller skein (small is relative though -- the 8 oz. bobbin on the King Bee is still twice as big as most other wheels bobbins).

The Firefly I primarily use for churning out singles that end up being plied on one of the other wheels...its ultimately portable (for when I'm traveling with the family and have NO ROOM) and also great to spin on when I just feel lazy.

I recommend Spinolution to everyone -- which wheel depends a bit on what type of spinning they play to do and their budget.  I'm a dealer -- have sold these wheels to brand new beginners, people with health/mobility issues, hard core 'art yarn' spinners, as well as your typical spinner wanting to make knitting yarns.

I was a loyal Schacht Matchless spinner for over 15 years, making miles and miles of smooth yarns for knitting. Then I got bored, discovered the world of creative textured 'art' yarns. At the time, Schacht did not have a jumbo flyer of any kind for their wheels, so I started searching for another wheel. I tried several different wheels, but they all fell short.

Then I heard about Spinolution wheels. Having never seen one in person, I was nevertheless intrigued, ordered one and quickly fell in love! I really really love the responsive treadling, ease of changing bobbins, and innovation that these wheels have to offer.

Melissa Yoder Ricks